VISITORS are continuing to be asked to stay away from wards at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital which have been hit by norovirus.

The RD&E NHS Foundation Trust is asking people not to visit patients on wards closed by the diarrhoea and vomiting virus.

Seven wards have been closed to isolate patients with the bug. No visitors will be allowed in unless there are exceptional circumstances and a visit has been agreed in advance with the matron.

Patients due to come into the RD&E for treatment are also being asked to get in touch with the hospital if they have had diarrhoea or have been vomiting within the past 48 hours, or been in close contact with anyone with these symptoms.

Director of operations Elaine Hobson said: "We are concerned that despite notices, people are still coming in to see their relatives and friends when this could compromise our infection control measures and put their own well-being at risk."

Wards closed yesterday were Kenn, Bovey, Clyst, Avon, Okement, Durbin and Bolham with one bay on Culm ward also affected.

Daily updates will be placed on the RD&E website at www.rdehospital.nhs.uk.